How the Riau Police Chief Is Building New Habits: Rejecting Flower Boards, Choosing Tree Seedlings
Riau Provincial Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan has launched a new initiative to build a cultural shift within the force. Irjen Herry Heryawan has firmly instructed his ranks to abandon the tradition of flower boards and replace them with tree seedlings.
This was announced by the Riau Police Chief during the 2026 Riau Provincial Police Leadership Meeting on Wednesday (18 February 2026), attended by senior Riau Provincial Police officials and all district police chiefs across Riau. The policy was adopted as a concrete step by Riau Provincial Police to build new pro-environment habits, whilst demonstrating the police force’s commitment to preserving nature in Riau Province.
In his address, the two-star general emphasised that every sacred moment and official ceremony — from position transfers and promotions to personal events such as birthdays and weddings — should become an opportunity to do good for the environment.
“I am asking that when there are transfers, there should be no more flower boards. Refuse them. It is better to give a tree. For birthdays or weddings, give two tree seedlings as a symbol of growth and life,” Irjen Herry stated firmly.
According to him, flower boards are only temporary and end up as waste, whereas tree seedlings represent a long-term investment that benefits future generations.
Furthermore, the Riau Police Chief explained that this measure aims to shape the character of National Police personnel who are environmentally conscious. He wants goodness towards nature to be not merely a formality but rather a deeply ingrained habit.
“Goodness must become a habitus — a habit that is continuously repeated until it forms character. We must build a character that loves the environment. We start from something simple: from ceremony to conservation, from symbol to real action,” he added.
This instruction is in line with the Green Policing programme and the motto ‘Protecting Heritage, Safeguarding Dignity’ championed by Riau Provincial Police. By replacing flower boards with tree seedlings, Irjen Herry hopes that every significant event in the lives of National Police personnel will leave a green footprint for the earth.
“Every tree we plant is a legacy. Let us build a new culture that is more meaningful and sustainable,” he concluded.
The policy is expected to apply not only within the police force internally but also to serve as inspiration for other government agencies and the wider public in Riau Province to show greater concern for climate change and forest conservation.